[Beemer5to3]

I use VW’s - it’s about £8 for a litre but it’s extremely concentrated (neat will go down to -50). To me it looks and smells the same as BMW’s - used it in all my cars since my Octavia vRS back in 2010 and never had an issue.

[Hofmeister Kink]

I think it would be useful for dealers to point this out as part of the handover process. After all, that usually involves lifting the bonnet and pointing to where you put the washer fluid (and oil etc). I for one hadn’t realised about silicone causing issues so thanks for the tip off.

[Beemer5to3]

Originally Posted by xenon

Yes but the water here is quite soft. If you live in a hard water area then deionised or filtered water would be better but of course a line has to be drawn somewhere otherwise we may as well fill the washer with gin.

I’d rather that than drink the stuff

[Seaford]

Originally Posted by Hofmeister Kink

I think it would be useful for dealers to point this out as part of the handover process. After all, that usually involves lifting the bonnet and pointing to where you put the washer fluid (and oil etc). I for one hadn’t realised about silicone causing issues so thanks for the tip off.

Handover process? Based on my experience it’s not part of the training at the dealer I have bought my last two BMWs from.

Yeah, I know I should go somewhere else…but when they have exactly what you are looking for in stock it’s hard…and frustrating.

[xenon]

Handover process? Eugh. Worst part of the new car process in my experience. The awkward bits where a salesman with not much idea compliments you on your purchase, states the bleeding obvious and offers to "pair your phone for you".

I was pleased when I picked this one up it was in the middle of lockdown and I turned up at the dealer and spoke to nobody. I phoned on arrival and they texted me the number of a key lockbox outside from where I retrieved the keys and simply fucked off. Much better in my opinion.

[Charlie (Wessex)]

It's all well and good not using silicone based screen wash, but I had to get some screen wash at short notice and there's no mention of whether it has silicone in it or not. Do most have use silicone?

As BMW screen wash seems to be out of stock, is this something that would do? https://www.seatmotorparts.co.uk/sea...wash-5-litres/ It seems to coincidentally have a -63ºc freezing point too. The earlier link to eBay now says BMW won't be supplying them in bulk.

[willougs]

Probably not the cheapest, but I think AutoGlym Ultimate screenwash is promoted as Silicone Free.

(just trying to find where I read that)

[Charlie (Wessex)]

Originally Posted by willougs

Probably not the cheapest, but I think AutoGlym Ultimate screenwash is promoted as Silicone Free.

(just trying to find where I read that)

Fairly sure I've read that too.

Anyway, I mixed washes recently, so going to chicken out, empty the reservoir (hope it won't take too long), flush with a bit of water and then use the Wurth silicone free stuff that I've ordered.

[willougs]

If you are passing thru Totton anytime soon, you are welcome to grab a litre or so of my BMW concentrate to tide you over until you can sort something.

[Charlie (Wessex)]

Thanks for the offer. Got caught on Redbridge Causeway tailback on the way to the footie on Tuesday. Not sure I'm going by car till they've sorted (ha!) it. Happy to go with the Wurth which should be arriving tomorrow.

Suspect silicone free and -63ºc freezing point is probably the same as BMW concentrate. Might be wrong, but too much of a coincidence?

Again, thanks for the offer.

[Assassin]

Never had a problem but BMW recommends that screenwash should not contain silicone which apparently many do to stop blades squeaking. I wrote to Holts regarding their concentrated screenwash and they confirmed that none of their Holts or Prestone products contain silicone. That said with the condition of the roads up here I use my washers a lot so maybe they never get the chance to get blocked!

PS.... posted this in a different thread recently and have corrected my spelling of silicone in this post (thx Xenon)

[xenon]

Originally Posted by Assassin

PS.... posted this in a different thread recently and have corrected my spelling of silicone in this post (thx Xenon)

The VAG stuff is silicone-free too.

[Charlie (Wessex)]

I put in some of this - https://www.halfords.com/motoring/mo...ry-611743.html

No idea the contents. Hard to find details. Prob got silicone. It does smell nice though!!! In the process of getting it out, but seems a lot in the tank!!

[B6WAF]

Originally Posted by Assassin

I wrote to Holts regarding their concentrated screenwash and they confirmed that none of their Holts or Prestone products contain silicone.

Thanks for that - I've always used Prestone without problem and your enquiry confirms it is safe.

[sjb993]

EDIT - Whoops, I should have read the previous post!

Prestone screenswashes also silicone free.

Some years ago I bought a job lot (well, 4 x 5 litre bottles) of Prestone Maximum Visibilty Screenwash. I first read about the silicone issue last Spring, and because I still had loads of Prestone left I contacted them to ask if it contained silicone because of BMW's warning. Here's their response.

Hello Steve,

Thank you for your email. Our Prestone Screen washes including Extreme Performance Screenwash contain no silicones and will be safe to use in your vehicle.

Kind regards,

Ellie
Holts Technical Team (UK)

[LimavadyG21]

Been really happy with the wiper/wash system on my G21 , even during the recent spell of snow and salt and assorted crud....

[Charlie (Wessex)]

Originally Posted by Assassin

Never had a problem

Had problems in my e39

[Charlie (Wessex)]

Quick question.....

Emptied my tank of the BMW/Halfords mix. Flushed out with plain water. New non silicone arriving tomorrow. Does anyone know the capacity of the tank?

[hamera]

Originally Posted by Charlie (Wessex)

Quick question.....

Emptied my tank of the BMW/Halfords mix. Flushed out with plain water. New non silicone arriving tomorrow. Does anyone know the capacity of the tank?

It's 4L.

[ZedsRedBaby]

Originally Posted by Assassin

Never had a problem but BMW recommends that screenwash should not contain silicone which apparently many do to stop blades squeaking. I wrote to Holts regarding their concentrated screenwash and they confirmed that none of their Holts or Prestone products contain silicone. That said with the condition of the roads up here I use my washers a lot so maybe they never get the chance to get blocked!

I use the cheap Tesco stuff which is also made by Holts and I've never had a problem (not to say I never will of course).

I think it's the ones like RainX that promote their water repellant effect which are best avoided.

[marksandygill]

Never had an issue until I decide to buy one of the group cars, now it's only squirting out about 20-30% of what it was before...

[Slepy87]

Just top up with a bmw concentrated screen wash. Found it cheap at my local dealer , fiver for 1L concentrated.